Friday, April 28, 2017

The Worth of a Story

This is regarding the plots of blockbuster movies (e.g. Baahubali) leaked on WhatsApp groups or other social networks

 What is the worth of a story that can be "held to ransom by a few words"

If the plot is so weak, what do we really gain from the story/movie ?


Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Mind matters but mindset matters even more ...

I have come across many articles recently which point out that we can actually become what we wish to. Though the path may not be easy, it is doable.

References: Bhagavad Gita commentary - Paramhansa Yogananda, Article in the Washington post (reprinted by Indian Express)

They say that our brain has ~10^20 neurons which are interconnected. Each thought process corresponds to a certain circuit through this network. As the related thought/experience is repeated, the circuit gets strengthened. The neuronal connections for those thoughts and actions which are not repeated often lose their 'strength'.
For example, if you get up at 7 AM everyday, you will find it difficult to rise at, say 6, and would be unwilling to be in bed till 8. Even if you sleep early on a given day, you still tend to get up at 7. So also for going to bed late.

The important point in these articles, is that we can do what we want, by gradually strengthening the circuit(s) for that process. But 'gradually' is the keyword, if you want to affect changes which persist. For e.g., if your target is to get up at 5 AM, start off by first trying to sleep 15 mins earlier and getting up at 6:45. This will require effort to sustain, but nothing compared to straightaway getting up at 5.

Once you are steadily getting up at 6:45, try for 6:30. And so on. That way, slowly slowly, your circuits get adjusted to the new and better schedule. Compared to this, a forceful attempt to get up at 5 AM, at the outset, is most likely to fizzle out in a few days. I have personal experience on this front.

Well, finally I must say that it would be best if you yourself went through this article; neglecting its title.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

The so called science vs belief conflict.


We all have heard about various debates among people, some favouring science and others favouring beliefs, on the correct world view to be adopted. Generally, there is no clear winner. Because, science does not cover everything and religions do not give a plausible and believable explanation for everything.

There are even a lot of people who talk about religion+science, but mostly, YOU have to BELIEVE them to get their arguements. But belief/faith in some person's statement is not science.

What is the way ?

The way is to be faithful. Science is based on experimentation. Whatsoever theory may be given, which is very sophisticated, logical, mathematically consistent and looks good. But if it fails a test of its predictions, it is not taken as correct. We can apply the same to a belief-system, while always staying faithful to experimentation and science.

Whatever opinion comes your way, test it by experimentation.

For example, I claim (for you it may be me, originally said by ancient ancestors), that filling up a page by writing RAAM RAAM (राम राम) , is a great experience. It cools down the mind, provides great mental relief and also gives a fresh perspective on most of the things you have to do. I did it & do it many times and get this result. [Mind you, writing using a pen, not cut copy paste ;-)]

Now, if you care about what I said, and want to check the veracity of my claim scientifically, do it yourself. Fill up a page with राम राम and see what happens. If you feel something positive, great. If not, you have checked a method which does not work, which in itself is a great thing again. To know what does not work is a real help in doing your job effectively.

So, all the best. My belief is that you will benefit by doing this.
राम राम